Counseling, Mental Health Counseling - Dual License, MEd

The Mental Health Counseling-Dual License MEd is a 66-credit program is for those seeking dual licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts by the Board of Registration and a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor License with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Program requirements have been designed to meet current state licensing requirements (CMR 262) and initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a school social worker/school adjustment counselor.

The Mental Health Counseling - Dual License MEd at Bridgewater State University offers:

- Diverse faculty with extensive teaching and administrative experience in the fields of mental health counseling
- Development of critical thinking skills, as well as oral and written communication capabilities
- Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience
- Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
- Provides a comfortable learning environment for older, non-traditional graduate students

Program Director: Dr. Nikki Freeburg

Admissions Requirements

Mental Health Counseling, Dual License:

Online application and $50 application fee
Resume
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 (3.5 if candidate has a master's degree)
Passing score of the Communication and Literacy Test of the Massachusetts Teacher Educator Licensure (MTEL) test.
GRE General Test scores (Combined Verbal & Quantitative)
- If undergraduate GPA is 3.00 or higher, then a combined GRE score of 281-290 is needed.
- If undergraduate GPA is a 2.80-2.99, then a combined GRE score of 291 or higher is needed.
- If undergraduate GPA is 2.50-2.79, then a combined GRE score of 292+ is needed.
- If candidate holds a master’s degree and GPA is a 3.5 or higher, GRE requirement is waived.
- If candidate holds a master’s degree and GPA is a 3.0-3.49, a combined GRE score of 297 is needed.
Three letters of recommendation from professionals or educators outside of the BSU Department of Counselor Education
Personal statement

Applicant Screening Process

Candidates who meet the above criteria will be invited to an admissions interview. The Admissions Day interview is an opportunity for faculty to assess the applicant's potential for employment as a professional counselor.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: February 1
Spring Semester: October 1

Apply Today

Curriculum

Required general counseling courses:

CNGC 500 - Research and Evaluation

CNGC 528 - Counseling Theories and Techniques

CNGC 529 - Multicultural Counseling

CNGC 532 - Psychological Assessment

CNGC 538 - Group I: Theory and Process of Group Interaction and CNGC 520 - Group Experience (non-credit; graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis)

CNGC 539 - Introduction to Career Counseling

CNGC 563 - Psychopharmacology for Nonmedical Professionals

CNGC 582 - Preventive Counseling

Required Mental Health Courses:

CNMH 534 - The Professional Counselor: Standards, Ethics and Legal Issues

CNMH 535 - Applied Counseling: Adolescent-Adult

CNMH 536 - Applied Counseling: Pre-Adolescent

CNMH 540 - Counseling Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

CNMH 564 - Theories of Psychological Development

CNMH 568 - Psychopathology

CNMH 569 - Crisis/Disaster Counseling

Electives
Complete three (3) credits in counseling at the 500-level or above.

Total minimum credits: 66

Additional Information:

Fieldwork requirements

CNMH 570 - Advanced Applied Counseling: Mental Health Counselor (100 hours, 3 credits)

CNMH 571 - Internship: Mental Health Counselor (total of 450 hours, 9 credits)

CNMH 582 - Internship: Mental Health Counselor - Dual License (total of 450 hours, 9 credits)

Culminating Experience:
The culminating experience focuses on students’ ability to integrate counseling and development theory into direct practice. Through the culminating experience, students will demonstrate the counseling competencies that align with current CACREP standards (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), as well as standards that align within respective programs of study. Students will have the choice of completing one of the following options:

CNGC 585 - Capstone in Counseling - Portfolio
CNGC 586 - Capstone in Counseling - Project Paper

Achieve a passing score on the CPCE Exam

***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.

Funding Opportunities

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The MEd program in Mental Health Counseling is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.

Mission Statement and Program Objectives:
The principle mission of the Department of Counselor Education at Bridgewater State University is to prepare high quality master’s level counselors for various settings in Massachusetts and the nation. More specifically, we prepare; quality School Counselors to serve students, families, and communities in PreK-12 educational settings; Clinical Mental Health Counselors to serve individuals, families, and/or groups in community, non-profit, or private agencies; and Student Affairs Counselors to serve as academic advisors, career advisors, residential hall advisors, or likewise in institutes of higher education.

Program Objectives
Our objectives are to:

Guide students in understanding their roles and responsibilities within the ethical and legal guidelines germane to counseling and student affairs professions.
Foster the development of expertise in counseling skills.
Instill a commitment to uphold best practices within counseling and student affairs professions.
Cultivate diversity and social justice competence within counseling and student affairs professions.